Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has issued a stern directive to hospitality industry leaders, demanding closer collaboration with government planners for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The minister’s remarks came during a National Task Force assembly on Tuesday, where he confronted concerning reports about accommodation sector practices.
Minister Greene addressed what government officials characterize as unreasonable demands from certain hotel operators, alongside plans for substantial room rate increases during the international summit. He explicitly condemned these approaches as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that such tactics undermine national interests. The government’s ongoing efforts to secure major international events ultimately generate substantial revenue for the hospitality industry, creating a symbiotic relationship that requires responsible cooperation.
“Government is the entity attracting thousands of visitors who will fill those rooms,” Greene stated, framing CHOGM as a national endeavor rather than a political event. He articulated the sector’s obligation to support this collective effort, asserting that hoteliers must contribute actively to ensuring the summit’s success rather than pursuing short-term profit maximization.
Scheduled for November 1-4, 2026, CHOGM is projected to draw between 5,000 and 7,000 distinguished visitors to Antigua and Barbuda. The anticipated attendees include numerous heads of government, high-ranking officials, and representatives from various royal families, marking one of the most significant international gatherings in the nation’s recent history.